Editors vs. PM Babiš: Czech media push back over attacks on journalism

Tensions between Czech politicians and the media have once again come to the fore. A joint statement signed by more than 20 prominent editors criticizes the approach of Andrej Babiš toward journalists. The rare joint statement highlights growing tensions between politics and the press. Reporter magazine editor-in-chief Michal Musil explains why he helped initiate it.

The move follows a recent escalation in rhetoric, in which Babiš publicly criticised specific outlets, accusing them of bias and hostile reporting. For many in the media, however, this is not an isolated incident but part of a longer pattern. Michal Musil, editor-in-chief of Reporter magazine and one of the key figures behind the initiative, says the decision to speak out was driven by a growing sense that the situation was deteriorating.

“There is a problem with the prime minister. Obviously, the media are not free in his view, and journalism has become his target. I would say that the attacks are on the rise.”
According to Musil, the immediate trigger came after what he describes as an unusually harsh public criticism directed at major Czech media outlets.

“The prime minister criticised one of the leading media outlets in the country, and the attack was quite rough. So we felt it was necessary to say something.”
For the signatories, the issue is not only about individual remarks, but about the broader climate in which journalism operates—and the need to defend its role in a democratic system.

A rare show of unity in Czech media

Czech Radio|Photo: Lenka Žižková, Radio Prague International

Joint initiatives of this kind remain relatively rare in the Czech media landscape, where outlets often operate independently and sometimes competitively. That makes the statement notable not only for its content, but also for the breadth of support behind it.

Musil suggests that even if such a move does not produce immediate political change, it still has value—particularly in shaping perception beyond Czech borders.

“I believe it’s right to say something. And secondly, these things attract attention abroad. I think that matters for the prime minister. It may not change his behaviour, but it can have an impact.” At the same time, he acknowledges that expectations should remain realistic. The initiative is unlikely to alter the tone of political communication overnight.

Czech Televison|Photo: Štěpánka Budková, Radio Prague International

“I can hardly say that the prime minister is going to change the tune all of a sudden, but it’s quite possible that it may have an impact.” So far, reactions to the statement appear to have been largely supportive, at least within the circles that Musil has observed.

“The reaction has been generally positive. From what I know, it has been overall positive or definitely not critical.” Still, he adds that in today’s fast-moving media environment, reactions can shift quickly, and a political response—whether direct or indirect—cannot be ruled out.

Longstanding tensions in a changing media landscape

Relations between Andrej Babiš and parts of the Czech media have been strained for years. He has frequently accused journalists of bias, while critics—both domestic and international—have raised concerns about political pressure on the press.

At the same time, the broader media environment is evolving. Politicians increasingly rely on social networks to communicate directly with voters, bypassing traditional journalistic channels altogether. Musil sees this as a significant structural shift, one that carries both opportunities and risks.

Michal Musil|Photo: Reporter magazine

“That is definitely the case in this country as well as in other countries. But the problem is that politicians spread their messages unfiltered. That creates space for disinformation, for things that are not accurate, and that can have an impact.” In his view, this trend makes the role of independent journalism even more important—precisely because it provides verification, context, and accountability.

“I still believe that free journalism and journalists have a very important place in democracy, although there are many politicians who think it is not important.”
He also warns that the growing dominance of social media in political communication could have longer-term consequences.

“The dynamics where social media are the main communication channel of politicians could be dangerous—not necessarily now, but perhaps in the medium term.”

Opening a broader debate

Despite the tensions, Musil does not present the joint statement as a confrontation, but rather as an attempt to reaffirm certain principles and encourage discussion. The initiative, he suggests, is less about immediate outcomes and more about setting boundaries and reminding both politicians and the public of the role journalism plays.

Photo illustrative: congerdesign, Pixabay, Pixabay License

In that sense, the statement can be seen as part of a wider debate about democratic standards, media responsibility, and political communication—not only in Czechia, but across many countries facing similar challenges.

While its direct impact may be difficult to measure, the move signals that at least part of the Czech media community is willing to speak collectively when it feels those principles are being tested.